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Exploring the Role of Curcumin in Cancer: A Long Road Ahead

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  • First Online:
Interdisciplinary Cancer Research

Part of the book series: Interdisciplinary Cancer Research

Abstract

Curcumin is a natural compound that is extracted from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric. Its bright yellow color and hydrophobic nature make it a unique polyphenol that has been known to possess diverse and remarkable properties. The compound is known as diferuloylmethane and has a wide range of benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and antioxidant activities. Its most notable feature is its ability to prevent or slow down the progression of cancer in multiple areas of the body, such as the breast, brain, kidney, colorectal, and prostate.

Curcumin works by regulating cell signaling pathways that can prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells, making it an effective component in the treatment of different types of cancer. It is also known to modulate various immune modulators, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), which explains its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Unlike expensive drug interventions that come with high side effects, curcumin is a plant-based formulation that has been used for centuries. Over the years, numerous studies have shown that curcumin is a promising agent in cancer treatment, with over 40 out of 1,000 potential agents identified as effective. It is a powerful natural remedy that has been used for centuries, with numerous benefits that make it an essential component in cancer management. This chapter provides more insight into the biochemistry of curcumin and its role in managing multiple cancers, as well as its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

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  1. Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Pune, Maharashtra, India

    Pooja Tiwary, Krishil Oswal & Dileep Kumar

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  1. Pooja Tiwary
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  2. Krishil Oswal
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  3. Dileep Kumar
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Correspondence to Dileep Kumar .

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Tiwary, P., Oswal, K., Kumar, D. (2023). Exploring the Role of Curcumin in Cancer: A Long Road Ahead. In: Interdisciplinary Cancer Research. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/16833_2023_197

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/16833_2023_197

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